Old Powder

[ncffret]

Someone gave me some old powder, Herco, Reloder 7, Red Dot, Unique and Green Dot. All in the old cardboard containers. I have no idea how it was stored but it looks as if moisture has not been an issue. Wondering what to do with it.

 

[Bcwitt]

If the cardboard has not show signs of moisture, I wouldn't worry about it. That's what was nice about those. I'll take it if you have any concerns about it

 

[kerreckt]

I'm still using some power pistol and Hercules 2400 from cardboard containers. No signs of moisture or any rust on bottom, I would say it is good to go. Best wishes

 

[.308 Norma]

Someone gave me some old powder, Herco, Reloder 7, Red Dot, Unique and Green Dot. All in the old cardboard containers. I have no idea how it was stored but it looks as if moisture has not been an issue. Wondering what to do with it.

ncffret, if I wasn't so far away, I'd take it off your hands and dispose of it properly.
Just kidding around. I have both Unique and 2400 in those old cardboard containers, and it's still good.
BTW, welcome to THR!

 

[Blue68f100]

The Herco is probably still good. I just opened a can not to long ago from that era. Red Dot and Green Dot should also be fine. I have no experience on how RL-7 does over time.

Powder will have a bad smell when it goes bad. Will start to clump, rusting metal cans. If you pour some out onto a white sheet of paper and you see a cloud, it's bad. Now powder can increase in potency and loose power depending on base. If you used it in the past you should have a reference to what your expecting. There should be a Lot number on the bottles somewhere. You can use that to find the mfg date. Then I would ask the mfg if there is any recall on these lots.

I find in general rifle powders do not last as long as shotgun/pistol powders.

 

[FROGO207]

Welcome aboard OP!
After inspecting it as noted above you should be able to use it safely. Then use those empty cans as decorations in your reloading room. I have some that are older and still work OK as well.

 

[AgPilot]

I’m still using an old cardboard can of Unique. No issues

 

[EMC45]

I just finished shooting up some IMR 3031 from paper bags! I bet there is nothing wrong with any of that powder.

If you are concerned you can head west on 40 and I'll meet you in E TN to take it off your hands. I will dispose of it safely - one squeeze of the trigger at a time.

 

[bluejay75]

Scrounge up some desiccant packets and drop them in the container. Works wonders on clumped powder. Even if it doesn’t take the clumps out they will make sure the clumps break apart with little effort or under handling.

 

[Pivot Dr]

I’m still shooting WWII surplus H-4831. It’s as good as it ever was, and that’s pretty danged good. It’s been stored correctly in sealed, galvanized steel, 50# powder canisters. I get better numbers with it than current distribution powders.

 

[Random 8]

Check for the usual signs of deterioration. If it checks out good, shoot it. I wouldn't load it in any loads intended for long term storage. Load it in the "use first" plinking stash.

 

[ncffret]

Thanks for all the advice. As hard as it is to get powder now I am not crazy about disposing of any. I have used Unique in some of my current loads but have no experience with any of the rest.

 

[AgPilot]

I’m still shooting WWII surplus H-4831. It’s as good as it ever was, and that’s pretty danged good. It’s been stored correctly in sealed, galvanized steel, 50# powder canisters. I get better numbers with it than current distribution powders.

When I was a kid My Dad had at least 15 containers of powder in those 50# canisters. In the closet in My Bedroom!!!I don’t know what kind it was but I sure wish I had it now!!!